ALL FALL SHORT
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23, ESV
Theme: There is no doubt that we are all sinners. Though it may seem impossible to be reconciled with God, Jesus has made a way.
ALWAYS MESSING UP
I have been told my life seems perfect. This is not true, and I don’t want to fake anyone out. I try to be honest and upfront about my flaws – I have no shortage of flaws. Forget a perfect life, I can’t even imagine living sin-free for a single 24-hour day. There are 10 commandments and though some I don’t think I violate often or at all, others need improvement. I mess up even the easiest commands.
Here’s one I’m working on (among others) - keeping a Sabbath. Just this week, we tried to celebrate the Sabbath as a family. Turns out, I’m terrible at resting. Resting! I tried turning my phone off for the day. I kept reaching for it or thinking of reasons I needed it. I snapped at my kids for making craft messes. I got upset and sulked when no one wanted to participate in a family devotional.
The whole point of the Sabbath Day is to honor God and rest from our work. I couldn’t even get that one thing right for 24 hours. You don’t want to hear about all the other ways I mess up. Suffice to say, I’m convinced that if I can’t be like Jesus on my day off, I probably need saving in every other area and on every other day, also.
WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER
During Covid, our friends at Charlotte Ski Boats put up a sign that said, “We’re all in this together” along with a big heart on the banner. I remember crying the first time I saw it because it was true and because comradery makes hard things bearable. After a while, I forgot how much it meant to me on that first day. I think when we feel isolated, a reminder that we aren’t alone is really important. After we acclimate to the idea, it isn’t as poignant.
As sinners, we all have the same problem: both believers and nonbelievers sin. We can’t kick the habit on our own. When we can admit our struggles and help those outside our circle feel they are not alone in their struggle, it makes an even bigger difference than an encouraging sign!
THE WAY
Sometimes we admit, “Nobody is perfect” and leave it at that. The problem with this is: Somebody was perfect! If you know Jesus, you know the Way personally. The answer to our sin problem is Jesus. He is “THE way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6a, ESV). It wasn’t easy to atone for sin. It took His broken body and His blood sacrifice to save us. Yet, a way was made! That’s good news! If we (humanity) don’t take it - we will stay as we are, isolated from God and eventually, from everyone He has redeemed.
Make It Personal: In what way can you come alongside hurting people and remind them that you too fall short? In what area are you currently struggling to follow Jesus (like my attempt at keeping the Sabbath) and you can be open and honest about that with someone else who is struggling? How could hearing what others are learning and how they are struggling help you in your own walk with Jesus?
Pray: Father, thank You for loving me...even while I’m a sinner. Help me to love other people – like You do – just as they are. Help me to continue to struggle towards holiness even though I’ll never really arrive on my own. You are faithful, compassionate, and humble. Help me to follow You in faith, compassion, and humility as well in every area of my life.
Read: Jeremiah 14:20; Romans 5:12, 3:22-24
Weekly Memory Verse: ‘Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6, ESV